Whole30 tips, companion books, & FB groups!

So sorry for the disappearing act over the past month. Besides Instagram stories I’ve been pretty MIA, and for that I’m truly sorry. With moving and all the issues we had (more on that in a separate post) I neither had the energy nore mental capacity to write a post. Truly! My brain had signed off and was a ball of mush. It’s finally firming up a bit (Too gross an analogy? Sorry 😉 ) and I’m back in action.

Whole30 February

I’m counting down the days with excitement (and a tad bit of fear #goodbyechocolate) because starting February 1st I’m hosting a Whole30 group on Facebook with my little sister Lesly! It’s going to be her first go at Whole30 and we are both pumped! I need this badly. With moving and all the stress it brings, as well as coming out of the holidays, well let’s just say I’m not where I’d like to be. Is there really a better way to ensure success doing Whole30 than with a big group of friends doing it together and cheering each other on!? Not a chance! We’d love for you to join us! Click here!

Since I’m no stranger to the Whole30 or the Paleo lifestyle, I figured I’d make a quick post with some of my favorite tips, tricks, books, and social media accounts to follow to help you be successful on your journey!

Whole30 & Paleo: The same or different?

While the book Whole30 is great for those starting out, there’s also a few other books I’ve absolutely fallen in love with for the paleo lifestyle that I’ll share below. Let me be clear, just because it’s paleo doesn’t mean it’s “on plan” for Whole3O. Whole30 is basically a “reset” for your body, with Paleo being how many choose to eat after finishing Whole30. I love how they put it in the book The Whole30, 30 day guide to total health and food freedom:

Our premise is simple: certain food groups could be having a negative impact on your body composition, health, and quality of life without you even realizing it. Are your energy levels inconsistent or nonexistent? Do you have aches and pains that can’t be explained by overuse or injury? Are you having a hard time losing weight no matter how hard you try? Do you have some sort of condition (like skin issues, digestive ailments, seasonal allergies, or chronic fatigue) that medication hasn’t helped? These symptoms may be directly related to the foods you eat – even the “healthy” stuff.

This program removes certain food groups from your diet to help discover if they are affecting you. Most of us are living in a state of inflammation and aren’t even aware. It’s been this way so long it’s your normal. Not until these foods are removed for an extended period of time do you see the implications they have had on you. Whole30 has a two week “reintroduction” phase you can take part in so you can find out what food trigger your specific issues. This is not to say everyone has food allergies, but honestly most of us do have intolerances to certain foods and should try to limit how much and how often we consume them.

And what about this Keto everyone is talking about?

Since Whole30, Paleo, and Keto often get passed off as the same or similar eating plans, I figured I’d touch on it real quick.

Keto is basically Paleo, minus natural sugar, fruit, and tubers, like yams and sweet potatoes. On the keto diet the body is made to rely on fat as its energy source, instead of carbs. In order to send your body into ketosis, (which is when ketones are made from the liver breaking down the fats) you must essentially starve it of carbs, eating as little as 15 grams a day. Once ketosis is achieved you are in optimal fat burning range and can lose weight fairly quickly. How fast you get to ketosis depends on how strick you are and your own personal body type. Some can take up to a month to achieve ketosis. You often experience “Keto flu” when first starting out, as well as bad breath, increased urination, dry mouth, but hey, increased energy! That’s a huge plus! If you’re a serious Keto dieter, you’ll invest in the blood and/or urination tests to ensure you are in ketosis.

What do I personally think of it?

Not for me, or most people. But that’s my personal opinion. If you have food allergies or some other underlying issues that would point to keto being your go-to eating style, great! But for most, it’s a hard core way to eat. You can’t have a cheat day or you fall out of ketosis, and it just seems hard to maintain long term. You have to realize this is coming from a girl who has never done it, and I’m sure the die hard keto people would like to tear me a new one. My body loves fats, so I did consider it for a hot second. But then I remembered, I love fruits and potatoes, and carbs, and I have needs dang it! Keto doesn’t meet them. The end.

So let’s cut to the chase! Here’s my recommendations!

Books:

Well, duh:

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

This book is the core of what we’re doing in our Feburary group, so of course it’s my top recommendation. It comes with so many yummy recipes I use all the time. Hello balsamic roasted sweet potatoes (pg 262) and Melissa’s chicken hash (pg 228).

But honestly for paleo recipes (most of which are already Whole30 approved or can be easily modified) I have to shout from the rooftops Practical Paleo.

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

It is hands down my favorite cookbook. The recipes are easy, many of them staples in our house at this point. Travis also loves the dinners from it. Many of the meals for our February group are coming from this treasured book.

Another great buy and a staple for the paleo home is Nom Nom Paleo

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Fun fact: Michelle Tam, the creator of Nom Nom Paleo, just recently launched a limited edition Hot Bar at Whole Foods! Man I’m wishing we had one in Spokane already!

Danielle Walker, author of Against All Grain suffered with autoimmune disease for years, pursuing the modern medicine way of healing with no relief before finally setting out to use food as her medicine. Her story is truly inspiring and boy can she cook!!!

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Though there’s several more books I could recommend, these are a awesome way to start and not be overwhelmed. Prime them off Amazon and you’ll be eating great in days!

Best Whole30/Paleo people to follow:

Okay so honestly there are a lot of gems out there to follow for Whole30/paleo recipes and inspiration, but I’ll give you my top three so as not to overwhelm ya all.

Juli Bauer, creator of PaleoOMG

Juli has a knack for recipe creation.

Visit her website & follow her on Instagram for amazing recipes and a laugh, because she’s a hoot! Her recipes will also be featured in our upcoming group.

Cassie Garcia, creator of Fed and Fit

She has an amazing story of overcoming food struggles.

Visit her website & follow her on Instagram for food and life inspiration. (Plus she just had the sweetest baby girl )

Tam Michelle, creator of Nom Nom Paleo

Tam’s recipes are insane! (aka: get her book. lol) And, her concoctions (although some do contain meat) are more veggie centered, showing you don’t have to stuff your face with meat constantly to live the paleo lifestyle.

My Top 3 Tips

1. Read Whole30 front to back. I have to know “why” I’m doing something not just “it works!!! Promise”. I need to know the science behind something before I can commit 100%. For this reason read the book. Once you realize why this way of eating is so darn great, you’ll be more likely to stick to it long term for health reasons more than just weight loss or great skin, though those seem like reasons enough!

2. Keep it simple. You don’t have to make ornate recipes or go all out all the time. Stick to the core of what Paleo and Whole30 are and you’ll be fine.

3. It’s okay to eat out!!!! I love this program because I don’t have to be the weird friend that can’t eat with anyone and has to always bring my own food. Does the restaurant serve meat? Great. Does it have steamed veggies? Perfect. Maybe a potato? Great. You’re still on plan. So eat girl!!!

Comments

Great post Eryn! Thank you for taking the time to do all that research, and then to share it, wow! I have done the Whole 30 before with great results. Looking forward to a group setting this time.
Blessings, Teri : )

Looking for something?

Welcome

I’m Eryn!

A 33 year old wife & mother living in Spokane WA. I’m in love with running & yummy (mostly paleo) food. A coffee freak, so passionate about that magic drink I made it my first tattoo! Always seeking fun ways to sweat, and looking for new ways to stay healthy.

You’ll also find me dabbling in home decor and fashion, because life is short and I enjoy all the things!

Random fact: I love chickens & gardening on our little half acre.

I invite you to follow along! Subscribe to my email list (goes out every Sat). New blog posts Thursdays! Thanks a ton! No really, thank you!

Proud Ambassador For:

Book Favs

Follow along on IG

Popular Posts

Archives

Archives

Copyright

I LOVE it when you share! Please keep in mind that all images and text on this site are property of Eryn Whalen Online. Feel free to use one or two photos provided that a link back to my original post is included. Please do not remove any watermarks, crop, or edit any of my images without first obtaining written permission from me. All free printables offered are for personal use only. Pinning is always welcome and appreciated! Thank you!

A Small Note

Many links on Eryn Whalen Online are affiliate links. If you purchase a product after clicking an affiliate link, I receive a small percentage of the sale for referring you, at no extra cost to you. Purchasing through affiliate links is an easy, painless way to help out your favorite bloggers. Thank you so much for your continued support!